Althea A'bloom range

Althea Korea never fail to surprise! They keep coming out with their in house brand new launches on top of new arrivals of other brands on their website. 

Their latest in house range is none other than A'bloom.

How cute are the packaging?

Althea's A'bloom range consists of:

a) 4 types of cute masks;
b) BHA blackhead blaster;
c) Giant Meringue puff; and
d) Baby Meringue puff

Let's zoom into the BHA BLACKHEAD BLASTER (RM16/stick)

A’bloom BHA Blackhead Blaster is an easy and quick triple treatment for blackheads, whiteheads and dead skin for daily care. It contains natural ingredients to help gently deep cleanse the pores and removing dead skin cells while preventing any irritations or redness on the skin.

Ingredients and benefits:

● Natural BHA ingredient helps to deep pore cleanse by exfoliating the dead skin cells.

● Apricot seed powder helps to remove excessive sebum.

● Charcoal will absorb the dirt in the pores.

● Tea tree leaf oil helps to soothe as well as prevent any redness and irritations on the skin

Dampened the skin, apply the stick directly on targeted areas and massage in circular motions for 30 seconds. After that, rinse off with water.

Due to my oily/combination skin, battling blackhead is a weekly routine for me. I have been using the blackhead patch for years now but with this new product, it is easier to just massage on my nose in the washroom while bathing so it's like killing 2 birds with one stone!

No pain blackhead and whitehead removal. Gentle and non-irritating formula treats and prevents new ones from forming. It is also very easy to carry around especially when travelling.

Can also be used on other rough surface like elbow, knees or heels.

MASKS (RM15/10 sheets, RM2/sheet)

A’bloom refreshing skin masks pack have strong antioxidant with harmony of fruits and natural ingredients of plants that provides custom care solution for each skin type. The PH balancing helps strengthens skin barrier as well as re-charge the skin with fresh energy. The fruit masks pack are  made with strong antioxidant power of fruits and soothing energy of natural plants to care for each skin concern such as hydration, nutrition, whitening and blemishes.

The sheet masks are made out of 100% natural eco-friendly fabric to effectively deliver the efficacy of the rich fruits essence and the essences are formulated with reduced viscosity that are available in creams.

Usage:

● Has cooling effect and excellent absorption to deliver efficacy of ingredients deeply into the skin and keeps skin moisturized until the next day.

● Gives a gentle citrus scent with a refreshing touch.

● Transfers validity of natural wood extraction deeply into the skin with excellent penetration and close adhesion.

● The brightening line of the lemon lime whitening mask will provide an instant whitening effect after usage.

Direction:

1. Gently clean your skin with toner after washing the face.

2. Open the pouch and remove the film, then apply the sheet mask on face properly and leave it for 10-20 minutes.

3. Take off the mask and gently pat the residue essence until fully absorb.

WATERMELON MOIST MASK

Ingredients and benefits:

● The watermelon fruit has 92% of water which is excellent for moisturizing and soothing for the skin during the hot weather.

● It contains natural aminoic acid called Citrulin and Betain that forms a natural moisturizing membrane on the skin, leaving it moisturized as well as a smoother skin that does not dry out.

● The mask also contains lavender extract which helps soothe sensitive skin and provides liveliness.

My skin feels very moisturised especially when I did it the night before and the next morning I had beautiful skin =)

PEACH AC CONTROL MASK

Ingredients and benefits:

● Peaches are rich in moisture and vitamin A retinol components which helps control the oil and water balance of the skin.

● It helps normalize the skin turnover cycle with retinol by preventing troubles and taking care of dead skin cells and provide smooth, hydrated skin.

● The mask contains tea tree extract to help sterilization and takes care of trouble spots and pores.

This really helped in controlling my husband's acne

AVOCADO NOURISHING MASK

Ingredients and benefits:

● Avocado is known as the butter of the forest with rich protein that prevents aging and provides strong antioxidant with vitamin E tocopherol.

● The excellent absorption of skin-friendly unsaturated fatty acid provides shininess and elasticity to the skin.

● It is mix with hibiscus flower extract that contains Antocyanin, an antioxidant to prevent the skin from aging.

I love avocado as a fruit and now in a mask? Even better!

LEMON LIME WHITENING MASK

Ingredients and benefits:

● Lemon and lime contains high vitamin C ingredient to help repair and protect the skin from UV damage.

● The vitamin C’s function of inhibiting melanin production provides a clear and transparent skin.

● This mask contains green tea extract which is also rich in vitamin C ingredient to assist in controlling melanin production and skin care.

My skin was instantly brightened after masking!

The masks are not surprisingly sold out online! The price is wayy too affordable that on the first day of launch, people were buying packs after packs after packs of 10 haha

Next, the first beauty tool from A’bloom by Althea is the first meringue sponge puff designed which was inspired by baking meringue cookies. Achieve the perfect skin makeup with the lovely, cute pastel pink colour and cookie-shaped meringue puff.

Giant Meringue Puff (RM8/puff)

Looking at the picture, you can see how fluffy and soft this sponge is. In reality, the texture is even smoother and softer! Love squeezing into this haha

The giant meringue puff will provide quick and smooth makeup application on wide surface of the skin. Apply makeup quickly and easily with the giant meringue puff and dab on for an even finish.

Baby Meringue Puff, 3 pieces (RM11/3puffs)

Soo cute!!

Apply makeup with detailed edges of mini-sized sponge puff to achieve fine and flawless skin makeup. I used it for under my eyes and under my nose with concealers. The baby meringue puff will provide fine and detailed makeup application on small surface of the skin with its pointed tips.

Obtain 2-way perfect skin expressions:

1. Moist and glossy skin makeup when the puff is soaked with water

2. Matte and flawless skin makeup when the puff is not soaked with water

Material and benefit:

The meringue puffs are made out of non-latex sponge with hydrophilic properties which will grow 1.5 times bigger than normal size when soaked with water allowing makeup to be applied perfectly on the skin.

In actual fact, this is my first time using a beauty sponge for makeup application haha. I have never used a beauty blender in my life so using this the first time really made me realise how much I have been missing in life LOL It was so easy to use and don't need to dirty my hands for makeup application! The texture is also very soft so it was very gentle on my skin and the finishing with a meringue puff and using hand is really different! Love love this and I am no longer a beauty sponge virgin HAHAHA

It has been such a joy reviewing the A'bloom range =)

Shop Althea A'bloom products on Althea Korea today!

How to use concealers?

That was actually my first concern. Because I have never used concealers in my life. The most I ever used to conceal a zit or any blemish is actually compact powder HAHA The way I see people highlight or contour and I'm like wow, that's too complex for me. But then when I was given 4 different types of concealers from Althea Korea, I was determined to learn how to master the art of highlighting and contouring. And so, the journey begins *laughs*

But first, please admire the makeup flatlay below that I have received from Althea Korea. Being an Althea Angel is nothing but exciting. It's raining Christmas every other day =) Althea launched their own house brand of makeup products and believe me when I say the products are not only good but they are also super reasonably priced!

If you're into makeup, you would be salivating looking at this =p

FLAWLESS CREAMY CONCEALER (6G) [RM15/stick]

Okay, as mentioned, I received these concealers and I was like, 'Yes, I can finally play with it and experiment how to conceal, highlight or contour my face.' The concealers are perfect for spots, panda eyes and other blemishes. It is a pigmented, blendable concealer with a buildable formula which is made with Aquaxyl to moisturize and improve the overall health of the skin, while its long-wearing properties ensure it stays on your face all day. Aquaxyl is derived from birch tree sap, also known as the “the queen of the forest". This extract creates a moisture barrier on the skin and prevents dehydration. It prevents moisture from evaporating, leaving the skin feeling hydrated and comfortable even after a couple of hours.

There are 4 shades to choose from:

 #01 Vanilla (Pink beige #21) for brightening/highlighting

 #02 Ginger (Warm ivory #21) for natural coverage

#03 Honey (Warm peach #23-#25) for medium coverage

 #04 Mocha (Deeper yellow #30) for darker skin tones to conceal or for fairer skin for contouring

The swatches.

HOW TO USE

 STEP 1- Conceal and highlight

I applied shade #03 which is closest to my skin tone to hide blemishes and... 

...lighten redness under my nose.

Then I applied shade #01 under my eyes to conceal my dark circles as well as illuminate it. 

Highlight by applying a lighter shade on the high points of the face. I applied some on forehead and the bridge of my nose to bring those features forward. Then gently blended with my fingers. I did it step by step and not all at once because well, I'm still a beginner and needed to perfect one step before the other otherwise it'll just mess my whole face up.

STEP 2- Contour

I contoured with a darker shade #04 Mocha to carve out features and define the face shape. I applied on my cheek bones, under my chin, near my hairline as well as..

...the side of my nose to make it look smaller. As you can see, I have already blended the other parts of my face so you can see a more defined face shape.

STEP 3- Blend, Blend and Blend
The texture is creamy and hydrating so it has a smooth and a flawless semi-matte finish. It is not cakey so it's long lasting. I found it very easy to blend and I'm surprised I fared quite well in this highlight/contouring skills hehehe

EYE PALETTE SUNRISE & MOONRISE BCL X ALTHEA [RM140]

Add some celestial magic into your beauty routine with Althea's very first eye shadow palette: Sunrise & Moonrise! Made in collaboration with Bunga Citra Lestari, these 8 shades will take you from gorgeous daytime to sultry night time, giving you the effortlessly glamorous feminine style Bunga is known for. In shimmers, mattes and glitters, these pigmented shadows glide easily onto the skin and blend out like a dream, allowing you to create an array of looks suitable for any occasion. 

Bunga Citra Lestari is an Indonesian singer and actress that have graced the screens of many across South East Asia. Affectionately known to her fans as BCL, she’s also a beauty and fashion icon that exudes style, beauty and femininity. 

8 expertly chosen shades inspired by 2 of BCL’s most prominent looks: a fresh look perfect for everyday, and a glamorous look perfect for the stage.

The swatches.

Create your own look with various textures such as pearl, glitter and matte finishes. I will be doing an everyday day look and a glamorous night out look below.

For day look, I like to wear minimal makeup when I go to work. So, the nude/natural shades in the palette was just right for me to create a working day look.

Add on some concealer for a cut crease look to make the colour pop and long lasting effect.

Once the concealer is applied, it's a good base to work on.

A shimmery nude with pink undertones is applied first, perfect for a base shade or to highlight. Then a matte light brown is added to create definition. 

Then the metallic gold to add shimmer to the look for added radiance. A rich brown with golden shimmer is applied to the upper lash liner for an added depth so that the look can be worn without an actual liquid eyeliner.

Subtle yet enhances the eye feature with nude tones.

Add on mascara and you're good to go for a day out.

The minimalist day look. I did not highlight/contour my face for this look. Just used the palette and shade #04 of the Watercolour Cream Tint.

WATERCOLOR CREAM TINT (4.5ML) [RM20/tint]

Get deliciously juicy lips with the pigmentation of a lipstick, the long-wearing power of a stain and the moisturizing formula of a gloss. Bold, pigmented and equipped with a pretty sheen, these lippies contain hyaluronic acid and squalene to prevent chapped lips from flaking, perfect for stashing in your purse for easy touch-ups and comfortable wear.  

Formulated with both water and oil, this emulsion type tint consists of 40% hydrating solution. Its creamy texture glides onto the lips for a plump, kissable pout.

Pick from 4 must-have colors ranging from a natural color to a luxurious burgundy:

#01 Plum Cream- A rich, luxurious plum shade, perfect for a night out

#02 Strawberry Cream- A juicy red reminiscent of freshly bitten strawberries 

#03 Peach Cream- A brightening, fresh coral with pink undertones to suit both warm and cool skin tone [My favourite]

#04 Marron Cream- Made from browns and pinks for a chic, everyday look

I would actually love some lighter hues but if you're not into red lips, you can try the Korean gradient look which is quite subtle.

HOW TO USE

You can apply directly onto the lips with the applicator provided and gently blend onto the lips...

 ...OR you can achieve the Korean gradient two tone lip by applying at the inner lips and just dab all over.

I also used this as a cheek tint. Just a slight swipe on the cheeks for a flushed look.

It is very pigmented but glides easily onto the lips without a sticky feel plus it's super long lasting! I would have eaten and the red stain still stays. Also, the swatches on my hand I did above? I didn't use a makeup remover to remove to see the long lasting power. I just washed with normal soap and water. Guess what? Those swatches stayed with me till the next day on my hand HAHA

Get 10% OFF on the Watercolor Cream Tint Set that comes with a special gift box! Great gift idea for friends, family, or yourself! 

WATERCOLOR CREAM TINT SET (10% OFF) [RM72]

SPOTLIGHT EYE GLITTER (4.5ML) [RM24/stick]

This sparkly number doubles up as both an eyeshadow and a liner to light up the eyes for some perky, glamorous peepers. Whether you like a subtle glow or a full-on glitter look, these have a hydrating formula that glides on like butter over the lids, allowing for an easy blend. 

Pick from two pretty shades to suit your look:

-Gold Light
-Pink Light

HOW TO USE

Apply onto the lids using the applicator. Then wait for 3-5 seconds to dry. It's very easy and once it dries, it doesn't smudge! The slim applicator allows for precise and even application.

Hydrating on the eyes, this formula is made with a moisturizing gel matrix that gives eyes a sparkling touch. It creates a film for a longer wear, preventing smudging caused by sweat or water.

There's a skincare which was popped into our gift box as well.

SKIN RELIEF SPOT FILM GEL (15ML) [RM19]

This zit-zapping treatment is a revolutionary formula that applies thinly onto the skin before drying down to a smooth canvas, protecting the area.

It contains tea tree oil to quickly and effectively treat acne, while a mix of Centella and pine leaf extracts calm redness, treating acne while you’re out and about. Salicylic acid, tea tree leaf and Pinus Thunbergii leaf extracts helps protect and treat troubled areas. It also contains glycerin and niacinamide to help soothe, moisturize and brighten for a healthy, happy complexion.

A unique clear gel texture that dries down into a translucent patch. It creates a thin film that creates a protective barrier to effectively soothe and treat the troubled area.

HOW TO USE

Ensure the area of the skin is clean before application. Gently squeeze to dispense a small amount of product. Apply a thin layer onto targeted areas and allow to dry for approximately 5 minutes. Ensure the patch is completely dry before applying makeup on top.

I applied on my acne. However, I find that the thin film distracts the makeup look because it will not have a smooth finish. As you can see, the thin film can tear out. But it is customizable by adjusting the thickness and size of the patches applied. I still do prefer to just use this at night but I quite like the uniqueness of the film which acts as barrier to prevent secondary infection caused by potentially dirty hands or environments.

Now, I also did a video tutorial for CNY dinner makeup look using the makeup by Althea Korea. Enjoy! 

So, here's the look in pictures. First, I concealed, contoured and highlighted my face as explained above.

Then, I used the BCL x Althea eye palette and applied shimmery nude with pearly pink as base for full eye and above the crease line.

Then concealer is applied in shade #02 for a cut crease look.

After it dried, I mixed deep wine with metallic rose gold for some shimmer.

Cool purple on the upper lash for a smokey in depth look.

Add on some pink gold eye glitter.

Dabbed on some Cream Tint Shade #03 Peach Cream.

TA-DAH!

Ready for CNY 2019!!

So, did I fare well in my contour/highlight, Korean gradient lips and a glamorous night look? Let me know! So that I can improve as well =)

Thank you so much Althea Korea for letting me experiment and learning new skills. Can't wait to do more new looks with all the products given =) Shop the products above at Althea Korea today!